South Island splendour, Matakauri Lodge and Mahu Whenua

Finding it tough to choose between NZ lodges Matakauri and Mahu Whenua? This new package takes the choice away. South Island splendour, Matakauri Lodge and Mahu Whenua. Step through the doors of beautiful Matakauri Lodge, normally a seven-minute drive from New Zealand’s adventure playground, Queenstown, and it’s difficult to know where to look first. It’s a toss-up between the big three – the shimmering waters of stunning Lake Wakatipu, the rugged Remarkables mountain range that frame the lodge views, and lofty Walter Peak. All command attention, with guests swooning over those views no matter how long their stay. The luxury Matakauri Lodge (robertsonlodges.com/the-lodges/matakauri) hideaway boasts a superb owner’s cottage and 12 suites complete with private terraces overlooking the blue waters that actually change colour as the light fades. All the accommodations have US designer Virginia Fisher’s sophisticated stamp with classic style, sleek decor, chic tones and pops of lolly-hued velvet.

Dining is an adventure here, with chef Jonathan Rogers using fresh local produce to create modern New Zealand cuisine along with a well-stocked cellar of impressive wines. Open since 2010, Matakauri Lodge often welcomes each season with an innovative special such as the latest ‘Tried, True and Something New’ package that features seven nights of luxurious accommodation, plenty of wining and dining and glorious views at two eclectic boltholes. Guests can indulge in four nights at Matakauri and another three nights experiencing the ‘something new’ – an affiliation with the 2017-opened Mahu Whenua Lodge (Robb Report, July 2017). Mahu Whenua (mahuwhenua.co.nz) is located 25 minutes from Wanaka and is a 90-minute drive from Queenstown, or you can helicopter in. It sleeps 12 and sits on a ridge on a sprawling 550-square-kilometre property that can boast of being the largest private conservation project in New Zealand’s history.

Mahu Whenua – which translates as “healing of the land” – has four luxurious suites with captivating 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding area. Behind the homestead and stables, expect classic New Zealand scenery complete with grand mountains, alpine ponds, meandering rivers and winding valleys. The homestead includes a large farmhouse kitchen, dining room, library and media and games room with a pool and expansive outdoor area where you can lounge in the sun and take in those views. Like Matakauri, dining is a unique experience with your own chef, who happily shares his secrets in a fun cooking class. Horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, spa services and heli-skiing are offered as well as spa treatments. The property borders three popular South Island ski fields – Coronet Peak, Treble Cone and Cardrona – as well as a cat-skiing operation and heli-ski terrain, making it a dream base for skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers and cyclists in summer.

There’s plenty to keep you busy at both locations, including wine tasting at Mount Edward Winery in the Gibbston Valley, an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride along the Dart River and a retail fix in Queenstown that’s home to many award-winning restaurants. The package promises seven days of adventure, food, wine and fun in luxurious suite accommodation at two of New Zealand’s top hideaways. And if you had to pick between them, it’s impossible: those killer views leave you in equal awe at both these South Island stunners. – SUE WALLACE

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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